Praying For A Hail Mary - 7. Chapter 7

Jerry started to pace back and forth trying to think of a way out of the position he is currently in. He pushed hard for Favre. Now in his first game he has proven what Campbell has been saying all week about what is wrong with him. No matter what he says at this point, Favre’s actions have spoken for him. Actions that can’t be taken back or explained away.

Still not sure what to do, he looked over at the window and waved at Favre to come back into the office. By the look on Campbell’s face, he didn’t like it, but he didn’t voice it. By Campbell keeping silent, Jerry got the feeling that he could talk his way out of this. Maybe if he does this right he might be able to keep both guys and deal with this after the game.

“Okay all of us need to settle down and talk like gentlemen, not school yard kids.” Jerry spoke in a low voice as he looked back and forth from Favre and Campbell. “You, Mr. Favre, are wrong by not listening to the man I have put in charge of this team. Whatever he tells you to do, you do it. If it’s wrong, he has to deal with what comes afterward. By you refusing not to follow his and his staff’s instructions, I can’t hold him accountable for anything that does goes wrong.”

Jerry looked at Campbell. “And come on Russ. You and I have always been able to talk things out without threatening one another. Favre was wrong, yes, and he knows now what he should have known when he signed on to be a Cowboy, that it’s your way or the highway. Now that has been made clear, let’s all move on and get out there for the second half. There is still thirty minutes left of this game, which means anything can happen.”

Just as Campbell was about to say what was on his mind, Favre beat him to the punch. “First let me apologize, Coach Campbell, if you have been offended by me overshadowing your presence on the team. It’s not my fault that I have done a lot more in my career than you did in your entire career as a player and now as a coach.”

Not giving Campbell a chance to respond, Favre broke eye contact with his head coach as he turned his attention to Jerry. “And with all due respect Mr. Jones I didn’t like being talked down to in the way Coach Campbell did before you asked me to leave. I have shown nothing but respect for him and the staff here, and I deserve the same.” Favre stopped for a few seconds to catch his breath. “Oh also let’s not forget why I’m here. You guys need me more than I need you. This team has lost the only quarterbacks that could do anything. So let’s stop pretending here that I could be told what to do when it comes to how I play the game. I won’t change, so get used to it.”

Both Jerry and Campbell couldn’t believe the balls on Favre and how he could just stand there and talk to them the way he was. No matter what he thinks on why he was given the starting position, he had no right. On top of that, Jerry was not about to let him of all people think that he is invincible and can do and say anything he wants. Not in Jerry’s book. That belongs to him and him alone.

“Mr. Favre I would stop talking before you dig the hole even deeper for yourself.” Jerry raised his voice, but not to a yell. “I’m trying to find a solution to this impasse we’re at, but if you keep talking the way you are I won’t be able to. So please just stand there, keep your mouth shut while I talk to Campbell to get you back on the field.”

“As you can see Mr. Jones, Mr. Favre feels he is running things on this team. There is no way I can put this guy back on the field. No sir, I just don’t see a way.” Campbell walked over to the door and opened it. “As I stated already you either let me run this team the way I feel is the best way to win each game, or I walk and you find someone else to do this job. And let me tell you no one will sign on to this mess because their hands would be tied just like mine by you.”

Campbell started to walk out of the office when Jerry yelled out for him to stop. “Stop, okay please come back in and we’ll talk about how you want to play the second half.” Jerry pleaded. “This team has had enough bad press already it can’t afford anymore. No matter what happens here I will get that bad press, but with a win it will be a lot easier. That I don’t see happening without you out there on the sidelines coaching this team.”

“I agree to the last part of what you said, but not to the first part.” Campbell said as he closed the door. “You are my boss and the owner of this team, but the head coach. When we lose, I’m the one on the hot plate, not you. I’m the one that is getting dissected and put through the ringer, not you. The only thing you have to fight off after a loss is the demand for my head.

With that said, I won’t sit here and discuss with you my game plan is for the second half. That is micromanaging and I won’t have any part of that. If you want me to stay as your head coach, you need to walk out and go and sit in your box with your family and guests. Let me deal with the team. Let me bring this one home for us the only way that I know how. That is what you hired me to do, so let me do it for crying out loud!”

Hating to admit it, but Jerry knew Campbell was right. He has to stop micromanaging or he will lose him and most of the coaching staff along with him. No one will stay on board in the environment that he has created. They all know if they do, they will never be able to get another job with another team in the NFL.

“You are my head coach Russ and I have to stop trying to do your job. I’m going to go back to my box as you have suggested to leave you to do what you need to do to get this team back on the field in the best shape it can be to try and win this game. The only thing I will like you to do for me is to think long and hard before you bench one of the starters. Maybe if you go out there and talk with the entire line and try to get them to work with each other, we might be able to win this game with the personnel we started the game with. The press has had enough to write about us in the last week. Let’s not give them more stuff to bash us over the head with when this game is over.”

“I will do my best to keep that from happening. But to be completely honest with you I’m going to do what I feel is best for this team to win this game. If that means benching my starters, I will do that.” Coach Campbell opened the door to let Jerry out. “All you have to do is sit down with your family and guests and watch your team pull themselves together and win this game.”

Jerry didn’t say another word. He just walked out, leaving Campbell and Favre alone. “Mr. Favre, you better get used to sitting on the bench because until you learn to not only be a team player, but learn who is calling the shots here, you won’t play. No player is bigger than this team. Whenever a player thinks that, it’s the job of the team and the staff to bring that player back to earth. That is what I’m doing benching you until further notice.”

Campbell reopened the door and waited for Favre to walk out before he called for Patrick and Jason. In less than a minute, they joined Campbell. “Gentlemen you two are the first two to hear that I have decided to bench Favre for the rest of the game. Well besides Jerry that is.” Patrick and Jason looked at each other with stunned looks on their faces.

“The only problem I have now is replacing him on the field.” Campbell looked directly into Patrick’s eyes. “I know your contract states you are the backup quarterback for this team. Which means if Favre gets hurt or can’t play for any reason, you are to take over. But the three of us know that isn’t what I wanted when tryouts were over. Because of issues beyond my control, Jason lost his position which you got. I respect you and I’m asking you if it’s okay if I put Jason in instead of you.”

Patrick cracked a smile as he looked at the guy he has become good friends with over the last couple of weeks. A man that he considers his closest friend on the team. The man that didn’t end their friendship because of what happened with their contracts. Something he hopes he would have done if the shoe was on the other foot.

“Coach Campbell, the player that has earned the position should be the player that goes out and plays it. No matter what our contracts say, Jason here should be the one to go out there and play in Favre’s place. In other words sir, if you didn’t ask me, I would have asked you if Jason could play instead of me. He is the man that will bring this team back to its glory days.”

Jason was speechless. He thought for sure Patrick would have said no. Anyone else that would have been asked what he was asked would have, but not him. Instead he gave up a chance to show the NFL world what he could do when the game is put in his hands to win it. There wasn’t a doubt in Jason nor Campbell’s minds that he would have given the Lion’s a run for their money. However he opted on taking the high road and correcting the wrong that was done earlier that week.

“Okay then it’s settled.” Campbell patted Patrick on his shoulder pads as he looked at Jason. “You are going to go out there and start the second half as our quarterback Jason and Patrick you are going to back him up. For now, Favre is going to be the highest paid third string quarterback in NFL history.” Campbell walked over to the door and opened it again. “This isn’t what I wanted to go down, but I was left with no other choice. Let’s go out there and inform your teammates about the change in the quarterback position.”

At the same time the three of them walked down the hall, but before they could make it into the locker room where the others were at, Mr. Spencer stopped them. “Coach Campbell, Jason!” Both of them looked at Spencer with stunned looks on their faces. “I know what you guys are about to do and I can’t let it happen. I’m sorry, but I can’t!” Jason tried to say something, but Spencer stopped him. “Sorry Jason you hired me to protect you from all those that might do you harm. Right now its Campbell and yourself that is about to hurt you and I need to stop it before it happens.”

“First, I don’t know how you got back here in the locker room, but at this time that isn’t my biggest worry. My biggest worry is to put my team back together in order for them to get out there on the field and try and win this one for us. And another thing don’t forget who did the introductions. I did and that alone should be enough for you to realize that I’m not going to do anything to hurt Jason.”

“I’m not forgetting who did the introductions, but I can’t let that cloud my duties to my client. You guys had a chance to do the right thing a little over a week ago. Forget that, you guys had an entire week to do the right thing, but no one stepped up. Instead you guys threw my client under the bus and now that you need him you’re trying to scrape him off the asphalt. No sir! I can’t allow that to happen without an actual signed contract for him to play in the position you want him to.”

Campbell couldn’t believe what was unfolding before his very own eyes. He seems to not be able to catch a break today. First he had an all-out battle with his boss, and he was willing to walk away from the thing he loves more than life itself to get Jason in the game as his quarterback. And he almost ended up losing his job. Now here he is about to clash with Jason’s agent.

“Can we step outside in the hall for just a minute, you and me, Spencer?” Campbell didn’t wait for Spencer to answer, and dragged him out into the hallway. “Look I understand you have to protect your client, but don’t you see I’m trying to do the same thing for Jason here. I wanted him as my starting quarterback, but couldn’t get him in no matter how hard I fought. When the contract didn’t go through, I fought a losing battle that was a one. The only good that came from me fighting for Jason was getting Mr. Jones to see the wrong his attorneys were doing. He fired them on the spot, but I couldn’t move Jones on anything else.”

“I didn’t know it was you that was the cause of the firing of Mr. Jones head attorney and most of his staff. When the rumor started spreading I was surprised that happened, but unlike most others out there, I knew what the straw was that broke the camel’s back. As for standing up for Jason as much as you have been doing, thank you, but I still can’t let him go out there and play in the quarterback position without a contract. If I do that in this game, Mr. Jones will drag his feet as long as he can because he will think he can get away paying Jason pennies on the dollar of what he is worth. There is no way I can let that thought even creep into his mind.”

“You have nailed Mr. Jones perfectly on what he might do, but there is no way I will let that happen.” Campbell leaned against the wall. “I don’t know how to paint the picture I see in my mind right now. If you let Jason go out there and take over this team and he does what I know he can do and win this game for us, you will get everything you want for him in a contract. There is no way Jerry Jones could weather the storm of negative press if he doesn’t tie Jason down in a contract as this team’s starting quarterback after the game, or no later than tomorrow morning. You need to trust me and I promise you if you do, by tomorrow you will pull off something everyone out there is saying you as a young agent can’t do.”

Campbell did paint Spencer the picture he thought he wasn’t able to. He is seeing it as clear as he sees Campbell standing to the left of him. If Jason does what both of the believe he can do, there is no way Jerry Jones could say no to any of the requests he has made on Jason’s behalf and will make on his behalf once again when all is said and done this evening.

“Okay I’m going to go ahead and step aside and let Jason play in the quarterback position if he wants to. But don’t take this bit of kindness as a weakness on my part. I’m only doing this because like you I believe Jason is going to be able to go out there and pull this together with the help of the others on this team and win the game. Once that happens, like you said already the sky is the limit for me on getting what Jason not only should get but deserves in a contract.”

There was no need for any more talking since they both agreed on letting Jason play. With a hand shake, they walked back in and rejoined Jason and Patrick in the hallway. There was no need for either of them to tell the two young quarterbacks where everything landed. Not by the looks on their faces. They told them Jason is going to play, which made them both happy.

“May I have all your attention please?” Campbell yelled out as he walked into the locker room. Jason and Patrick didn’t stand at Campbell’s side, they took their seats in front of their lockers. “I have a few announcements on who is going to play in the second half. But before I go any further I want to make it very clear this change hasn’t altered the overall look of the team. It’s a change for now for just this game and this half.”

Everyone already knew Favre was benched because he had already walked in and pulled off his shoulder pads. The only question they needed answered was who is going to take his spot. “Let me say first, what happened out there in the first half is all my fault. I saw there was a problem with the offensive line, but never addressed it. If I had before tonight’s game I believe we wouldn’t be in the spot that we are in right now. As they say the buck stops here.” Campbell pointed to himself.

“Favre is a great quarterback and will stay as our starting quarterback until I say otherwise. With that said I had to reluctantly go back on my decision on who is our quarterback for this game. It’s just not Favre’s day and I need to make a change to try and give us a chance to win this game. So I’m going with Jason to start the second half and Patrick backing him…”

Before Campbell could finish everyone jumped to their feet applauding the decision as they walked over and patted Jason and Patrick on the shoulders. Seeing that alone was enough to bring life back into his team. Campbell stopped while he was ahead. He stepped back, pulling his coaches with him to go over strategy for the second half while the players celebrated the change.

Meanwhile the halftime show was about to finish. The studio had just finished going over the highlights of the games that were played earlier that day and Thursday night. They were turning over the broadcast to the booth where Cris Collingsworth and Al Michaels were ready to do their part of the half time report before the two teams took to the field to start the second half.

“Cris to tell you the truth here I don’t see any possible way the Cowboys pull themselves out the holes they already dug in the first half. It took two possessions of the ball for the defense of the Cowboys to get with it, and they did. The problem doesn’t lie with them on why they are losing this game or the way they are losing it. The problem is with Brett Favre and his offensive line. The turnovers and the inability to play with each other is why they are losing. I really don’t see them coming out here in the second half doing a one-eighty.”

“You won’t get an objection from me on anything you have just said Al, not a one. Favre was a great quarterback in his day with Green Bay and probably does have a few good years left in him. But those good years shouldn’t be wasted playing for the Cowboys. A team that isn’t formatted for his kind of play and I don’t see them changing how they play the game to suit him. Jerry Jones made a very expensive mistake when he signed Favre as the quarterback. A mistake I see coming back and biting him in the butt.”

Both of them shook their heads. “Jerry Jones should have gone with the youth in Jason, and if not him, Patrick. He might not get to the Super Bowl this year, or maybe next year, but I see in three years if he went that way they would be at the big show. Now they are stuck with Favre for two years, which means the Cowboys won’t get to the Super Bowl for five years.”

That is if they are lucky to keep the two young quarterbacks they have on their team right now. Let’s not forget Patrick Joyner only signed a four year contract with the Cowboys. If he doesn’t see any playing time in those four years I see him going elsewhere. And there is Jason Engelmann who only signed a contract that takes him to the end of this season. There is no doubt in the off season he is going to be wined and dined by every NFL team that needs a quarterback. He will probably be on another team next season and out of the Cowboys uniform.”

“I agree that Cowboys will probably lose Jason in the off season this year, but I don’t see them losing Patrick. Mr. Jones is going to wake up and he is going to make it clear to Campbell that he has to get Patrick ready to take over when Favre’s contract expires. But with him at the helm of the offense and Jason elsewhere, I don’t see the Cowboys winning a Super Bowl anytime soon.”

“Well we are going to have to leave it at that because it looks like the Lions are making their way back on the field.” The camera switched from the booth back to the field as the Detroit Lions were running onto the field. Just as they made it to their sideline, the Cowboys ran onto the field. At first no one saw that Favre had removed all of his padding because he had a coat over his uniform. It wasn’t until they got to the sidelines and they saw Campbell talking to Jason and Patrick.

“Al it looks like there has been a change in the quarterback position.” Al agreed with Cris. “Let’s go down to Michele to get an update on what is going on down there.” The camera once again left the booth and went to the sidelines where Michele was standing ready to give her report. “Cris and Al there has been a huge shake up in Cowboy’s line up for the second half.

Coach Campbell has made a very expensive change by taking out Brett Favre and replacing him with Jason Engelmann.” The minute she said Jason’s name, the fans in the stadium went wild. She couldn’t talk for almost five minutes because it was way too noisy for anyone to hear her. “Jason will be taking over a team that is once again in the hole by twenty six points. Last week they were down by twenty one and he helped his team win the game. Even though they are down by more this week, Campbell is putting it all on Jason’s shoulders to come up with a win.”

“What, if anything, was told to you by the Cowboys when they came out onto the field?” Al interrupted Michelle. “Well Al, I was able to talk with Coach Campbell as he came out on the field with his team. After telling me about the change he made, he told me that he believes that his team is going to walk away from here today with a win with the move he made. When I asked him why he didn’t keep Favre in the game to see if he could pull off a victory here today, he simply replied: “look at the first half.” That I leave to you guys in the booth to do. For me I just report….”

As Michele was handing things back over to the Cris and Al in the booth, the head coach of the Lions, Jim Schwartz called over his coaching staff. “Guys it looks like Coach Campbell is going to go down fighting.” In one way or another each of his coaches told him that Jason wasn’t a real factor in the game at that point. “Boy are you guys wrong. That young man over there is a factor because he can play. With their defense playing the way they are playing and Jason gets their offense on a roll, there is no stopping them. So get out of your minds that he isn’t a factor and find a way to beat him or we will lose the lead we have and go home with a loss.”

Even though the coaches saw Jason as a threat, they didn’t see him as big a threat as Coach Schwartz saw him. The guy is an excellent player in both of the areas he plays in, but he is young and doesn’t have the experience that is needed to win a game coming from behind. He will get the Cowboys close, but they all feel they built a large enough lead to still take home a win.

Mind you they were not going to become dumb on the whole switch of quarterbacks. They are going to do what Schwartz wants them to do by creating a new game plan to deal with Jason as the quarterback. Not because they fear him. No, they always look at who they are up against and plan the way they will play against that person. Each quarterback has their weaknesses. They just need to find Jason’s and find them as fast as humanly possible.

Back on the other side of the field, Coach Campbell was sitting with Jason going over the plays he plans to call on their first possession. Even though Jason didn’t take a snap all week in practice with the offense, he has had the playbook, which is one thing better than the week before. This time when he walks into the huddle of the Cowboys, he will know the plays that are called.

Up above in the booth, Cris and Al were scrambling trying to put together new stats on where things might unfold in the second half. They both made it clear to the viewers at home with Favre benched and Jason now in the game, the game is totally different. Not only the tone on the field, but how the fans in the stadium are reacting to their team. Two major positives for the Cowboys.

Just as they finished stressing that to the viewers, the fans in the stadium went wild. The kicking team of the Lion’s just started the second half by sending the ball soaring through the air at the receiving line of the Cowboys. When it looked like the Cowboys were not going to get much on their return, they pulled it off. By the time the special teams of the Lion’s finally got the tackle, the Cowboys made it to their own thirty six yard line when they should have been tackled at their own five yard line. A start that should have went their way, not the other.

Then the fans got even louder when Jason started to jog onto the field. “Those of you at home I wish you could be here to not only hear this live, but see it with your own eyes.” The camera left the booth and started to pan around the stadium to let the viewers at home see what Cris and Al were all excited about. This is the first time that Al and Cris could remember in a long time the fans being as loud as they are being at this moment. Since they have moved into the new stadium, the seasons haven’t gone the way the Cowboys would have liked them to go until now. The fans really haven’t had anything to really get excited about since the Aikman Days.

“If the Cowboys have any chance of putting this game back together for themselves, they are going to need the whole team firing on all cylinders.” Cris looked into the camera. “Jason pulled off a miracle the last time the boys played, but there is no way he’s going to be able to pull off another because the other side won’t be taking him for granted like the Redskins did. Jason can play the game and trust me the Lions are taking him serious.”

“Yes that’s no lie just look down there on the Lions sideline.” Al pointed to the field in the direction of the Lions sideline where the coaches were huddled. The camera went from the booth to where he was pointing so the audience at home can see it to. “Coach Schwartz came out here with a plan to beat Favre and the Cowboys, but now he has to put together a plan to beat Jason and the Cowboys on the fly. If anyone can do it, it’s Schwartz.”

Down on the field Jason walked into the huddle with his offense. “Look guys I know I didn’t practice at all this week with this line, but I did learn the playbook. I have studied film of this team for the last several years. I learned by watching those films how each of you like to play and like things done and I promise you I will make it happen.”

No one said a word as Jason talked. “We are a team and only as a team are we going to be able to win this game. So let’s not think about what is going to happen after this game, and who plays in this position next week. We need to put this game in the bag and let the future fall into place. For now we go out there and have fun and do what our fans want us to do … win!”

All at once every offensive player in one way or another agreed with Jason so loud both sidelines heard them. Once they settled down, Jason gave the two plays that Campbell sent in and broke the huddle. The fans in the stadium quieted down as their Cowboys made their way to the line of scrimmage, glued to their seats wondering what will the first play Jason is going to run.

Jason walked to the line looking at the other side of the ball at the defense line of the Lions. He saw several big guys staring back at him with looks that was supposed to put fear into him, but it did the opposite. He wanted them to come after him so he could show them that he wasn’t afraid of them. Show them he belongs in the position Campbell has put him in.

Bringing himself back to the game, Jason glanced over at the play clock and saw it was at three. With no more time to waste, he did a hard count and right as the game clock hit zero he hutted the ball, putting the first play of the second half of his offense in motion. It looked like a passing play, and was sold as a passing play, but it wasn’t.

“Wait a minute Cris, take a look! Take a look! It isn’t a passing play at all. Jason has just handed the ball off to Murray and he has the entire field to run in. Not even the secondary can get to him in time.” From the second Murray was handed the ball he shot out of there as if he was on fire, Before the Lions knew what had happened, he was well into the secondary. Already making the first run of the second half the longest for the Cowboys in the entire game.

Just as Murray saw two defensive players of the Lions closing in on him, he tucked the ball against his body preparing himself for a hard hit, but it never came. Out of nowhere Jason came in and took out the two defensive players, clearing the way for Murray to go all the way. The moment the fans in the stadium saw Jason running in to tackle, they were on their feet yelling.

“If I didn’t see it with my own eyes Al I wouldn’t have believed it.” Cris jumped up from his seat in the booth. “A quarterback in today’s game never comes from behind and makes a huge block the way Jason just did. No wonder why Coach Campbell loves this young player. He is the entire package. There is no one that can come near him if he keeps playing this way.”

As Murray and most of the offensive players were in the end zone celebrating the touchdown, the fans in the stadium and those at home watching were celebrating along with them. At that moment they knew the great days of Cowboys are back if Jerry Jones gets his head out of his ass and corrects the decision he made on making Favre the starter.

It took a few minutes for those Cowboys celebrating in the end zone to make their way to the sideline, but they were not the only ones holding up the game. The cheering and chanting from the fans was so loud, unless you were right on the person, you couldn’t hear a thing. When the fans started to calm down, the special teams came out on the field to kick the extra point.

To everyone’s surprise Jason walked out and lined up as the kicker. The stadium went dead quiet to let Jason finish off what he started. Just like the play before, Jason let the game clock count down to one before hiking the ball. In seconds the ball was off straight down the middle with plenty of distance so even a blind person could see the extra point was good.

The fans once again went crazy, but those at home didn’t get to see it because the game broke for a commercial. When they returned, the kicking and receiving teams were on the field ready to give the Lions their first possession of the second half. Both sidelines were looking on as the ball flew through the air, caught and attempted to be ran back, but was stopped at the eight yard line.

The Cowboys defense picked right up where their offense left off at. They didn’t allow the Lions to move the ball at all. It was three and out, giving the Cowboys back the ball back on the Lions side of the field on their second procession. At that point Campbell knew he had to work the clock so his team had control of the ball.

Jason didn’t do anything extraordinary, but he played at a level only a seasoned player plays at. No mistakes at all. He talked to his guys on his line. He didn’t change the plays Campbell called in and rarely changed it at the line of scrimmage. Even if he saw that the Lions figured out what they were going to do, he ran the first play he called in the huddle and not once did they end up losing yards. In fact, their lowest play in yards was five, which beat the first half.

By the time the third quarter had come to a close, Jason and the Cowboys turned the momentum their way. Not only did they catch up with the Lions, they had taken their first lead of the game. Schwartz knew if he didn’t find a way to stop Jason and get his offense working, he would be dealt a loss that he couldn’t live with. A loss that shouldn’t happen with the lead that he had going into the second half of a game that everything was going his team’s way.

However, no matter what he tried, nothing worked. As the final seconds of the game clicked away, he looked up at the score board in disbelief. The score was fifty one to thirty five. Not once did his offense score in the second half. No once did his defense get to Jason or cause another fumble. The time of possession was lopsided in favor of the Cowboys. He lost a game he shouldn’t have.

The Cowboys fans weren’t disappointed for the second game in a row. Now their boys are two and two and looks like they have a chance on making a run to not only win their division, but the conference and maybe be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium. As long as Jerry Jones sees the only way that is going to happen is with Jason as his starter.

On the field as the final seconds of the game were ticking away, Jason could have gotten another touchdown. They were on the Lions eight yard line, but he didn’t. He did something that no one in the stadium, in the booth or at home suspected he was going to do. They all thought he was going to either run it in himself or throw it, but instead he took a knee, ending the game.

Fans didn’t care at that moment on what he did. They wouldn’t think about it until the next day on what a gentlemen Jason was on the final play. The Cowboys had the game already won and didn’t need that score. It would have been petty and just mean if he went for the score. Instead he ended the game and walked across the field thanking the Lions for a great game.

Jerry had already made his way from his box to the field to congratulate his team on the hard fought win they accomplished as they made their way to the locker room. When he reached Jason, he pulled him to the side to talk with him in private. Grabbing not only the attention of his fellow teammates, but the press that were there reporting on the game.

“Jason you, Mr. Alan and I need to sit down tomorrow morning to discuss your future with this team.” Jerry spoke low so no one could hear as he shook Jason’s hand and smiled at the cameras that were taking their picture. “You did a great job once again and I thank you for pulling our team out of the hole we put ourselves in. Go home and celebrate this victory, you deserve it.”

Jones let go of Jason’s hand as he walked over to the press. Jason didn’t stick around to hear what Jerry was going to tell the press. Instead he turned and started making his way to the locker room, signing as many autographs as he could on the way. For the first time in a long time he felt at home with a team he is playing with, but in the back of his mind he was worried that it wasn’t going to last.

Neither Jerry nor Campbell answered any questions that were asked from the reporters on the field. They simply told them to make their way to the press room where they normally do their press conferences. The press still tried to get the two guys to answer their questions as they made their way to the locker room, but neither of them said another word.

When they were out of the hearing range of the press, Jerry broke the silence. “Look I will be the first to admit if I was wrong, and I was concerning Favre and Jason.” That made Campbell feel good, but he didn’t let Jerry know that. “With that said, I’m going to need your help on getting out of the mess I have created. Favre has a two year contract that will cost this team millions if we break it. So I need to find a way to get out of that and put the right person as our starter.”

Campbell stopped at the entrance of the locker room and looked at Jerry. “That conversation is big and we should discuss it when everything has settled down from tonight. Mainly to have enough time to discuss it right. I don’t want Jason screwed again by any of us. So let’s get through tonight. Let me go in there and tell the team what a great job they did before we’ll go together to the press room and do the press conference together. Show we are united to make things work.”

There was no objection from Jerry. They walked into the locker room and together congratulated the team on a hard fought win before heading over to the press room. The minute they stepped foot into the room, the room went alive with questions after questions. Neither Jerry nor Campbell answered them as they made their way to the podium.

“Good evening everyone!” Campbell leaned into the microphone. “There is really nothing I need to say about this evening’s game. You all saw the game and saw our boys get together in the second half and bring home a victory for our fans. We learned a few things in the first half, corrected them at halftime and went out there ready to play. With that, I will take your questions now.”

All at once the reporters jumped up asking questions, but Campbell didn’t answer any of them. He pointed to one reporter and waited for the others to settle down before answering the question the reporter asked. “Now seeing the differences between Brett Favre and Jason Engelmann in a real game, are you guys ready to say now that Jason is the right fit for this team, not Favre.”

“We have never said Jason wasn’t the right fit. Favre is a seasoned player and Jerry and I felt that is what this team needed after what happened in our last game.” Campbell spoke as he started to relax behind the podium. He hated what he was saying, but he wasn’t about to throw his boss under the bus. “Now we see that we might have been looking for the wrong things in a quarterback. That isn’t saying that Favre’s time here with the Cowboys is up. No, we’re going to look at all three of our quarterbacks that we have and chose the right one to play in each game.”

“So you are saying you and Jerry Jones are not willing to sign Jason Engelmann to a contract he has shown in two games he deserves.” One of younger sports reporters quickly jumped up and asked. Both Jerry and Campbell knew if they didn’t answer that question not only right away, but the right way that is all they are going to be asked about in the press conference.

“No that isn’t what I just said.” Campbell quickly replied. “Jason has shown us what a huge asset he is and we’re not going to overlook that. However, there are two other quarterbacks on this team we must think about besides Jason. He has pulled us out of the fire twice in a row now and trust me when I say that he is the heavy favorite to come out as our starter.”

One of the veteran sports reporters stood up. “This question is for you Mr. Jones.” Jerry took Campbell’s spot in front of the podium. “It’s no secret in the sports world that it was you that pushed for Brett Favre to be the starter. In fact what we have been able to confirm from players and staff that you and Campbell went head on with this. Campbell never wanted Favre, but here he is supporting the decision as if he made it. The question I have for you is basically a two part one. First is the rumors true you forced Campbell’s hand on Favre. And second now seeing that you were wrong on that, will you let Campbell do the job that you hired him for.”

Jerry knew he was going to get hit and hit bad. So he was prepared for everything and anything that could come at him. “Well let me start out by saying you guys know I have never lied to you in the past. When I have made a mistake, I admit to it and move on. I feel there is no need to try and deny or lie your way out of something that could be settled by telling the truth.

With that said let me answer your two questions.” Jerry seemed to look over at Campbell for support, but even if Campbell wanted to give him that support, he couldn’t. “Those in this organization speaking out of turn are wrong and I will deal with them. What happens in the closed doors of our offices should stay between those in that office, conference room or wherever we are at unless we all agree it needs to come out for the world to know. It is chicken, wrong and just plain dirty for people to air out in public things they shouldn’t and not say who they are.”

The press was getting inpatient with Jerry. They wanted answers on the questions that were asked, not a dance that he is well known on doing. “Now as far as how Favre was picked, the rumor you heard is right. Coach Campbell didn’t feel Brett Favre was the right fit for this team, but I pushed for Favre to be the starter. I overruled his decision and made it clear it was going to be Brett Favre and not the one he wanted, Jason Engelmann.

I still feel I was right on doing what I did concerning the quarterbacks. This team needed experience in that position, not on the job training at this time. We are fighting to make it to the Super Bowl and the teams we have on our schedule are very good teams that want to go where we want to go. An inexperienced quarterback can’t get us there.”

Jerry was about step back from the podium when the reporter that asked him the questions originally stopped him. “Mr. Jones I had a two part question and you only answered the first part, which we all are thankful you did. But I would like it if you would answer the second question I asked you. Seeing what happened here today with Favre, will you let Campbell do his job as head coach of your team and play the members of the team without you stepping in.”

“I will always step in no matter what. This is my team and at the end of the day you guys tear whoever is the head coach of this team and myself apart when we lose. Whenever we win, you give credit to those who are playing, which is the right thing to do. So no matter how much you all hate me for doing what I do, I will never stop doing it.”

All at once the press core jumped up and demanded an answer to the question that was asked of him that he didn’t answer. Jerry tried to spin it several more times, but the press wouldn’t have any of it. They kept on him to answer the question. Because they wouldn’t let it go, Jerry had no other choice to either walk away and not answer or answer it and have it on the record.

“Ladies and gentleman, let me once again make it clear who is in charge of running this team, Ross Campbell. He is this team’s head coach and as such has all the rights that come with it.” The press could not only see in Jerry’s body language that they got to him, but heard it in his voice. “I will always give my opinion on the players that we are looking at, but at the end of the day he will be the one picking them. In short I will not do what I did with Favre again.”

The answer Jerry gave finally satisfied the press. They moved on to other questions concerning the lineup, which neither Jerry nor Campbell would answer at that time. It wasn’t that Campbell didn’t want to confirm to the press that he decided on Jason on being his starter. He was afraid to because if in the days to come the contract talk’s fall apart, he will look like an idiot. That is the part that Jerry has control of and can hurt him on.

While Jerry and Campbell were wrapping up the press conference, back in the locker room everyone was riding high. At least almost everyone. Favre was the only player that wasn’t enjoying the win. He hated how things unfolded, but in the back of his mind he knew he wasn’t going to be replaced off of one performance in one game that any person could see wasn’t his fault.

Putting on a smile, Favre finished getting dressed and grabbed his bag as he headed over to Jason’s locker. “Hey enjoy this night because it will be the last night you are going to be looked at the way these guys are looking at you at this moment.” Favre looked around the locker room as he whispered in Jason’s ear. “And one more thing! Why haven’t you taken a shower yet?” Favre pulled away with an evil grin on his face. “Wait we both know why, but those guys don’t. If you don’t want them to find out about your little secret you’d better just walk away. Don’t accept anything that is offered to you tomorrow from Jerry or Campbell.”

Not waiting for a response from Jason, Favre turned and walked out of the locker room, giving a couple of the guys high fives and pats on the shoulder as he passed them. Jason stood there watching not knowing if Favre would actually follow through on his threat. If so he is certain on how his fellow team members will react. Just like his former teammates did.

Wanting to enjoy what he helped accomplished, Jason pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and started to change. Not still comfortable showering with the guys, Jason skipped the shower and just jumped into his street clothes. When he was certain that everyone had finished taking a shower, he went into the bathroom and rinsed his face and put a comb through his hair.

“Hey dude what’s going on?” Having his face in the sink, Jason was startled when Miles walked up behind him. “I’ve noticed since you’ve joined the team you don’t shower after practice or a game. What’s up with that? Are you embarrassed?” Miles chuckled as he playfully played with his midsection. “Because if that’s the reason, don’t worry because there is no way you could be smaller than that guy!” He pointed over to one of the players on third string.

Not meaning to, Jason started to laugh making it the first time anyone on the team saw that emotion coming from him. He has been all business since he arrived the Friday before the first game he was thrown into. No one could figure out why. They all had their theories that ranged from Jason thinking he was better than any of them to being hit one too many times that he can’t smile anymore.

“No trust me the problem isn’t my size!” Jason got out between laughs. “It’s just there are a certain amount of shower stalls and I feel those that have been here the longest have earned to get a shower first. By the time everyone has had their shower, I have already either toweled myself off or air dried.” Jason pointed up to the air vents. “I know this all sounds weird, but it’s just me.”

Miles chuckled as he playfully punched Jason on the arm. Seeing he got that response from him, Jason relaxed. He couldn’t believe that he sold that line of bull, but was thankful he did. If Miles hadn’t bought it and pressed for a better answer Jason had no idea what he would have said. At that point he was sure he would have sounded even worse, raising red flags everywhere.

To his surprise, Miles invited him out with some of the others guys after he finished getting ready. Not wanting to be rude, Jason was going to accept, but thought twice about it. Quickly thinking on his feet, he used Thelma to get himself out of the invite. Miles told him to bring her along, but he politely made excuses why he couldn’t, which Miles finally accepted and left it alone.

Not wanting to be cornered again, Jason quickly finished up what he was doing and headed out. By the time he walked back into the locker room, it was empty. Even Patrick was gone, which didn’t surprise Jason since he saw the guys talking to him as he headed to the bathroom. Grabbing his bag, he made his way out to the almost deserted parking lot and hailed down a cab.

He spent the rest of the evening with Thelma in their hotel room celebrating. Neither of them wanted to acknowledge the elephant in the room because they both knew if they did they wouldn’t get any sleep. They couldn’t forget what they had just been through and didn’t think because how the game unfolded guaranteed Jason anything more than he already has.

The next morning, Jerry and Campbell arrived at the Ranch before the sun came up. They ran the numbers to see where they could come up with the money that Jason’s agent was for sure going to ask for in order for them to amend Jason’s contract. Due to the salary cap and them being pretty close to it, they couldn’t get near the numbers that it would take to change the contract.

Campbell worked even harder to try and find the money. He knew if they fell short on this, there was no way Spencer will let Jason play another minute as quarterback. Campbell wouldn’t blame him if he did. His job at the end of the day is to get everything humanly possible for his clients and if he couldn’t, hold back until he could.

Little did the two guys know the answer to their problem was arriving as they were surrendering. Out in the parking lot Favre arrived to make sure Jerry was going to be true to his word and keep him as the starter. He knew if he ended up being pushed to second string, his market value would fall, but that wasn’t the only reason he didn’t want to be second string. There was no way he could bring himself to play second fiddle to anyone, more so a rookie still wet between the ears.

Just as he got to Jerry’s office, Jerry and Campbell were walking out. Both of them had a surprised look on their face when they saw Favre standing there. “Mr. Jones I was wondering if I could speak with you in private!” Favre spoke in a commanding voice, never making eye contact with Campbell. “It won’t take much of your time this morning, I just need to clear some things up.”

I have no problem speaking with you, but if this has anything to do with what happened yesterday and where you or the others stand I’m not the one you need to talk with.” Jerry looked over at Campbell. “Your head coach here is the one you will need to talk to on that. If it is anything else, I have no problem giving you a few minutes. My door is always open to my players.”

For the first time since he walked up to Jerry and Campbell he made eye contact with his head coach. “Well it is about where I stand with the team, but after what happened at halftime yesterday I know Coach Campbell doesn’t like me. He made it very clear to both of us when he told you it was either me or him. Because of that I only trust you, not him.”

“Well Brett, I’m sorry that you feel that way, but Coach Campbell is the head coach of this team and he is the person you need to talk with on anything dealing with the team. If you feel after talking with him he wasn’t fair, you can lodge a formal complaint that I will take a look at. Besides that, there is nothing I can do.” Jerry looked at his head coach for help.

“Mr. Favre if you feel that I’m not going to be fair with you I don’t have any problem with Mr. Jones here sitting in our meeting.” Jerry was relieved that Campbell offered that. “But he will only be there to make sure your fears are put to rest. He won’t jump in and override any decision I might or might not make concerning your future with this team. At least not with you in the office.”

Knowing that was the best he was going to get, Favre accepted. The three of them walked into Jerry’s office and sat down at the conference table. Before another word was said, Jerry advised Favre that he had the right to have his agent or a lawyer present, which he declined. Not surprising Campbell that he did that, he didn’t push the issue and moved the meeting along.

“You asked for the meeting Favre, so the floor is yours!” Campbell leaned back in his seat.

“Well if I was in your shoes I would be rethinking seriously about the quarterback position. I didn’t play well in the first half and I won’t make any excuses why I didn’t. But I know if you would have kept me in the game I would have done the same thing Jason did. If you need any proof of that all you have to do is look at my history in the NFL. I have lost count on how many times I have brought my team from behind and some of those times I was down even worse than yesterday.”

“I will not sit here and debate with you your record in the NFL. Hell you are an awesome player Favre and I would have not only loved to had a chance to play on the same team with you when I was still playing, but I would have loved to have coached you in your prime.” Campbell straightened up in his seat as he leaned forward.

“However you are no longer in your prime. You might be lucky to have two more good years in you and I don’t want you to waste them. I don’t want you to be one of those players that didn’t know when they should have quit because I know you know that. You can still play the game and I want you on this team as our quarterback, but not the way you were yesterday and all last week in practice. I call the plays, not you. I tell you what to do on the field. If you can’t get with the program on that, I can’t have you out there leading my team.”

Favre knew he couldn’t play the way Campbell wants him to play. He has played too many years the way he played yesterday and he is to set in his ways now to change. However, he isn’t willing to let Campbell in on that. He knows if he plays his cards right and words things just right, he will walk out of this meeting with the starting quarterback position and maybe Jason traded.

“Never once in my career have I given any thought to what the press is reporting, until now.” Favre looked back and forth from Jerry to Campbell and Jerry again. “Most of what they have been saying has been wrong, but there is that some percentage they have said is correct. This team almost has everything to be a Super Bowl team except one thing, a good seasoned quarterback.

You can take your chances on an untested quarterback who has so far shown that he can play the game when the chips are down, but what if these last two games is it for him. What if he has reached his high and can’t go any further.” Favre could tell by the expression on Campbell’s face he was getting under his skin already. “Let’s forget all that for now. Maybe he hasn’t reached his high and what we have seen is just the tip of the iceberg. Hell if I was a coach, owner or even just another player on the team I would want to see what else he can do.

But just like we are wondering what he can do, don’t you think the other teams out there are wondering the same? The teams that are still left on our schedule are going to get every game tape they can get their hands on where he played even a second of football, and they aren’t going to stop there. They are going to speak with every coach that has coached him, every person that has played on the same team with or against him and every one of his friends to get as much information they can to beat him. The teams that we are up against this year aren’t stupid. They will find a way to un-rattle him and when they do he’ll go downhill. What are you guys going to do then?

I know you want to take your chances on Jason. He could be molded into the player that will shine for years to come on this team, but why don’t you do that with him under my wing. Take advantage of having a seasoned quarterback like myself to help mold Jason into the quarterback you want him to be in the next two years. So when I walk off into the sunset when my contract is up, he will not only be able to take over for me, but there will not be a question about his ability to stay focused out there on the field and not get rattled about anything done to him on or off the field.”

Campbell was seeing right through what Favre was doing and he was a little angry, but more sad than anything else. He had hoped that Favre would have given him something to hang his hat on to give him another chance at the quarterback position, but instead he was playing games. The guy wasn’t thinking about the future of the Cowboys. He was thinking only of himself and how he could stay in the position of quarterback. At the same time trying to destroy the only real threat to him staying in the quarterback position.

“Okay Mr. Favre let’s say everything you have just said is right. Our best course of action is to keep a seasoned quarterback in the number one slot and our rookie in the number two slot to get experience.” Campbell looked Favre directly in the eyes. “You take him under your wing and as you say help him become what we all think he can become. It all sounds nice, but what about the main concern I have that has been causing problem between you and I. Are you planning to also show him the bad habits you have by refusing to listen to your coaches?”

Seeing the facial expression on Favre’s face at that moment made Campbell’s day. He knew he hit a sore topic that Favre doesn’t want to deal with, but Campbell does. He can’t have another quarterback taking over thinking he knows better than the coaches. He can’t throw away this once in a life time chance to mold a young player into becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. By allowing Favre to take Jason under his wing will destroy any chances on Jason becoming the player that Campbell believes he could become.

On the other side of the conference table Favre wasn’t too happy with Campbell’s remarks. He had hoped that Jerry Jones would have jumped in in his defense, but he sat there in silence letting them duke it out. So he figured since Jerry isn’t willing to jump in whenever something is said about him that isn’t true, he will have to defend himself. If that means war, then it will be war.

“Coach Campbell all I have shown you this morning and ever since I have come here to Dallas is respect. If you feel I’m disrespecting you, I simply don’t care. You need to stop being so sensitive about everything. This is the game of football and things are said and done that others might not agree with. But no matter what, when everything is said and I done I come up on top. I’m a winner and that’s all I know how to be. If you can’t handle that, you should think about stepping aside as head coach of this team and let another take your spot that has thicker skin.”

Jerry could see in Campbell’s face that Favre upset him by over stepping his position on the team. No one except him can say that to his head coach. Not another coach or a player no matter who the player was. That includes Brett Favre. In order to make sure that was understood, he knew he had to be the one to comment on what was just said, not Campbell.

“Mr. Favre…” Jerry reached over and patted Campbell on the forearm to get him to not only not respond but to try and calm him down. “You have no right to say or comment on anything beyond the position in which you hold on this team. Even then, you are limited on what you can do there since Campbell has the final say on anything that has to do with the team. I want to keep this meeting civil and both of you talking, but if you are going to continue talking in the manner in which you are talking to my head coach you are going to leave me with no other choice but to fine you. Don’t make me be the first to fine you in your career.”

That didn’t satisfy Campbell. He wasn’t about to be talked down to in the way Favre did. “I’m sorry Mr. Jones I can’t just leave it at that.” Campbell looked at Mr. Jones and then quickly looked back over at Favre with daggers in his eyes. “I’m one of the very few coaches in the NFL that has a tough skin. You have to have it if you are the head coach of this team.” Campbell sat back and took a deep breath. “I can sit here and explain in detail why, but I’m not going to do that. You are the player and I’m the coach. Coaches don’t answer to their players.”

“With that said, Mr. Favre it is clear to me and Mr. Jones that you are not yet willing to listen to me or anyone on my staff. You think you have all the answers and let me tell you that is going to be your downfall.” Campbell looked down at his roster and back up at Favre. “I don’t care if I don’t have Jason locked in a contract to be the quarterback for this team. As I made it clear yesterday to you I will put in the janitor before I let you back on that field. Until you learn respect and get it through your head it’s my way or the highway you are going to be riding the bench.”

“Do you agree with him Mr. Jones?” Favre looked at Jerry. “You are paying me in the millions for each game. I will become the most expensive bench warmer in NFL history. There is no doubt in my mind you don’t want to hold that record sir!”

Favre thought he had Jerry, but he really didn’t know the owner as well as he thought he did. “To tell you the truth I don’t care if you ride the bench the rest of the season and let me tell you why. I’m going to lock Jason into a contract and he will take your spot out there on the field. Each time he marches out there and you watch him and the team you are supposed to be leading win, you are going to feel like shit, but not only that. Every game you are benched, the less you are going to be worth when your contract is over with us. Are you sure you want to do that to yourself?”

Favre jumped up from his seat. “Let me out of my contract if you are not going to play me as we agreed!” Brett yelled, which all he got from Campbell and Jerry was a smile. “You think I’m kidding. Let me out of my contract. We agreed that I was going to be your starting quarterback and you are breaking that agreement by benching me. By doing so I have the right to demand to be released and you are responsible for paying out my contract in full.”

Jerry got up and walked over to his desk where he had a copy of every one of his player’s contracts in a locked filing cabinet. He pulled out Favre’s folder before walking back over to the conference table. As he sat down he pushed the folder across the table. “There is your contract you signed last week. Show me where it states in the contract that you are guaranteed the starting quarterback position and if not given that, you can demand what you just demanded.”

Favre picked up the folder and started to skim through. When he didn’t see it the first skim through, he went through it again, but didn’t find it. He looked up as he put the contract down. “It isn’t written into the contract but it was verbally agreed on. I hope you are a man that not only honors written contracts, but verbal ones as well.”

“Mr. Favre as you have thrown in our faces many of times you have been at this for a very long time already. You had to have already learned to get everything that is promised in writing. I’m not saying that I ever made a promise verbally or any other way to you on being this team’s starter. That was never discussed in any way, shape or form. So if you can’t find that agreement in your contract, you can’t demand what you are demanding. If you want out of your contract, you can, but it’s you breaking it. Since it’s you, I want the signing bonus back and what we have paid you so far. If you don’t pay that back, I can keep you from playing for the length of the contract.”

Favre didn’t like at all how things were unfolding. He knew Jerry had him and because of that he bid them goodbye and stormed out of the office. After he left, Jerry and Campbell laid down a bet between them on how long it would be until they heard from Favre’s agent, which Campbell won the bet. Not even an hour later Favre and his agent were back at the ranch in Jones’s office.

Jerry had enough of Favre for one day, so he didn’t waste any time. He made it clear to Favre’s agent if his client didn’t like what was happening, he could walk away but it was him breaking the contract and he had to pay everything they had paid him to date back. Just like Favre, his agent tried to get Jerry on a verbal promise, but at the end since it wasn’t put in the final contract that was signed, they had lost their battle. Leaving Favre only two choices to choose from.

Neither Jerry, Campbell nor Favre’s agent thought Favre would choose to break the contract. They didn’t think he would be willing to lose the millions he would get paid no matter if he played or not, pay back everything he has gotten so far and look like a man throwing a fit since things didn’t go his way, but he did. He stunned all three of them when he told them he wanted out.

With one ditch effort, Jerry tried to talk Favre down, but Favre was hearing none of it. After fifteen minutes of talking to himself, Jerry gave up and called a couple of his new attorney’s to his office. Less than an hour later, Favre was no longer a Cowboy. He was once again a free agent that can sign with any team he wanted, which Jerry and Campbell knew not only another team would snatch him up immediately, but they will be seeing him on the other side of the field once again.

After all the Favre mess was put to bed, Jerry and Campbell didn’t leave until they had a contract in place to offer Jason and his agent. The next morning they sat down with the two men and presented them with the contract which stunned them. Not only had they gotten everything they were asking for the first go around, but a lot more. The only thing that was holding up the signing of the contract was what they heard about Favre the day before.

They wanted in the contract that Jason was their starter and he would start every game unless he was injured or sick. Jerry fought them on that, but at the end he caved in and had it put into the contract. Once he folded, Jason became not only the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, but the highest paid rookie quarterback in NFL history. No other rookie quarterback got paid nearly what Jason was going to be paid on their first contract.

Not wanting the news of Favre walking dominating the sports world, Jerry and Campbell quickly announced that they have signed Jason to a contract to be their starting quarterback. The minute the news was released that was all that was talked about in the sport world. Every sports anchor not only led with the story, but that is all they talked about the rest of the day and the next day.

All Jason could think about is his past once the contract was signed. Now that it’s official that he is the Cowboy’s starter he knows it’s just a matter of time before his darkest secret will reach the light of day. Instead of going out and celebrating his victory, he spent the evening with Thelma talking about what he should do. By the time they went to bed, he was no closer to an answer than he was when they first started talking about it.

The next morning when the alarm woke him, he picked up right where he left off from the night before. There was no doubt in his mind if his teammates found out about him through rumors or the press, the past will repeat himself. However at the same time he wasn’t sure if he told his teammates the truth before they found out either through the press or one of his former teammates that the past still wouldn’t repeat itself. The only thing that was for certain was that he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t.

It wasn’t until he arrived at the ranch that his head got clear and he knew what he should do. Test the waters with someone and that someone should be Coach Campbell. If Campbell takes it well, he will ask him for his advice on what he should do as far as the team. Not wanting to chicken out on his decision, he quickly made his way to Coach Campbell’s office. When he arrived he didn’t have to wait long before he was called in.

“Good morning Coach Campbell! How are you this morning?” Jason asked as he shook the coach’s hand before taking a seat. Campbell smiled at his young quarterback. “I’m doing well Jason, how about yourself?” Jason gave the same answer. “We don’t have a lot of time to talk since we need to be out there on the field in an hour, so what can I help you with this morning.”

Jason wasn’t surprised when his throat went dry and he started to sweat. He knew there was more of a chance that what he was about to do could destroy him than help him, but he didn’t want the past to repeat itself. Also the little time he has had to get to know his new head coach he feels that Campbell is a different kind of coach. One that might not react like his former coaches did.

“Well Coach I really don’t know where to start.” Jason nervously looked around Campbell’s office, which got Campbell’s attention. “There is something I need to tell you and when I’m done I would like your advice what to do about this information concerning the team. I would like to know if you think I should tell the team or keep it to myself.”

Even though Campbell hadn’t gotten all the facts yet, he pretty much knew what Jason was about to say and didn’t care. “Jason you know you don’t have to tell me what you are about to tell me. I’m fine with it and I know the team would be as well. But if you feel you need to let us know what is on your mind right now, go ahead. Just know you don’t have to do this.”

“I know Coach, but I can’t repeat the past.” Jason looked down to the floor as he took a deep breath to calm himself down, or at least try to calm himself down. “I don’t know if there has been any player before me in the NFL like me, but I don’t want to lie to my team. I want to be up front and honest with them so they or you are not blindsided one day with this information. Um, I’m, um…”

“Jason, I know. You don’t have to say it out loud and again I don’t care. As long as you are happy and the guy you are with makes you happy, nothing else matters. Mr. Jones isn’t paying you for your private life. He is paying you to do what you have done in the last two games. Being who you are won’t keep you from doing that right?” Jason agreed. “Then that’s all we care about. So let’s get out of here and go and talk with your team if you still want to do that.”

Jason cracked a smile for the first time since he walked into the office as he got up. Seeing how his head coach took it, he was more confident than ever to tell his teammates. They walked into the locker room together and when the guys looked up they thought that they came in together to make it official to them that Jason was their new starting quarterback. They had no idea what they were about to find out about their new golden boy.

TO BE CONTINUED………………………..

WRITER’S CORNER:

{Welcome one and all to a new chapter in the sage of ‘Praying for a Hail Mary’. Before I go into the summation of this chapter, let me get rid of all the legal mumble jumble I have to do by using real names of people in my story. This story is purely fictional and does not imply anything about the sexuality of the featured people. I also like to note that The Dallas Cowboys and any other team I write about in this story is a copyright and trademark of NFL and its affiliates.

Well I don’t mind saying so myself this story is taking off, but before I go in the summation of this chapter I need to apologize to some of the readers out there reading this story and my others. I know some of you pop into these stories for a love scene and in this story there has been none and in my others more and more they are fading away. It’s not I’m against love scenes or sex, but there is more to life than my characters jumping into bed every other page. At first I wrote out love scenes in every chapter but I got away from that and stuck with just the story. Don’t get me wrong there will be love scenes in this story as it unfolds more and in my others, but nothing what you guys are used to in stories on some of the sites I post on. I’m sorry about that and I hope not having the loves scenes in this story still keeps your interest in it.

Now with that out of my system let’s get back to the chapter at hand. It picked up where the last one dropped off and that is the Cowboy’s first game since they returned from their Bi week. Things were falling apart in the first half and when we left off in the last chapter Campbell had enough and wasn’t holding back. I wonder how many of you thought the coach was going to lose this battle. Well I’m glad he didn’t and Jerry came to his senses.

It took Jerry a while to come to his senses. He thought he was going to be able to get both things he wanted, but int the end he had no other choice but to take sides. Finally he took the right side by backing his head coach. Favre was benched which he didn’t like at all. Favre thought he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it. Well he found out quickly that wasn’t going to happen, or did. Later in the chapter he tried to push his weight around.

I know some of the things I write out about Jason and how he plays the game isn’t possible for a rookie, or is it? I know many of you have your favorite team in the NFL and watch the games. Some of you have been watching longer than me. I have seen rookies come out and just blow out veterans that have been playing for years. For example the current Green Bay Packers quarterback and the Redskins quarterback they started out very hot as rookies, which I hate. Both of them the team I like are going to play this coming year and I fear they are going to kick our asses all over the field since Jerry Jones has a love affair with our current quarterback that should have gotten his walking papers. He is a good quarterback, but not a Super Bowl quarterback.

Anyways back to the chapter at hand. Jason not only got the crowd back into the game in the first half with his kicks, but in the second the fans were just loving it. They were on their feet from the first moment Jason walked out on the field in the second half to the last second. Jason once again helped pull his team out of the hole they created and got them their second win of the season. They are now two and two. Not bad for a start for this team if you ask me.

I likes what Jason did at the end of the game. He and his teammates were right there to put another seven points on the board, but instead he took a knee. I hate it when I’m watching a game and it’s a blow out, but the other team keeps shoving it in the face of the team that is losing. When the team is winning and knows there is just no way can the other team come back, they need to win with grace. It has happened several times to my team when they were losing and the team that they were playing against just kept piling it on. I despised those teams not because they beat my team, but how they beat them. They had the game in the bag and there was no need to keep scoring.

The press has a love affair right now with Jason, but will that love affair now end that he has the contract as the starter for the Cowboys. The sound thing about the press is that they like to help build people up and then they like to pull them down. With Jason they have a few things they can use if they find out to pull him down with. Do you guys think they will do it? If so how do you think the fans will react if his darkest secrets come to light?

Finally the end of the chapter what do you guys think? Jason went to tell Campbell the truth but Campbell already knew it. We all knew by that point Campbell wasn’t a stupid man and he was going to find out what Jason was hiding. The only question we had was how he was going to react to the news. Well we found that out, awesome. Now how is the team going to react when Jason unveils his true self? Will they react like his teammates on his college team? If so, will Campbell put in effect the same stupid rules that Jason’s college coach did? Will some of the team members go as far as saying it is either us or him? Will some of the teammates go and cry to the press? There are those questions to be answered and so many more in the next chapters to come.

I have big plans for this story, so come on back and keep reading this saga. You won’t regret it, I promise. And if I forgot anything in my summation that needed to be mentioned I know my Editor Trevor will pick up on it and write it out in his editor’s corner below. Thanks again for giving this new story a chance.

There is going to be a lot developing in the chapters to come. Stick around and keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR’S CORNER:

First of all I would like to congratulate Jacob on this particular chapter because it is the three hundredth he has written since he started writing several years ago. That is no mean achievement when you consider that he know has five stories on the go at the same time. Well done JPG and I would like to add that I am honored to have been a part of your team from early on in the piece.

Well enough of the back slapping and onto the latest chapter. I am happy that the outcome was a good one for Jason he deserved a break and in the next chapter he has to face another big hurdle. As Jacob asked how will the team react? I’m not sure, I’m certain all of reading this story would hope for a reasonable outcome after all we are batting for the same team, but there are a large number of homophobes out there who will think differently.

I believe because they are Dallas Cowboys dedicated to the team they play for they will not make too big a fuss regarding Jason’s sexual orientation. They will be thinking more on what Jason was doing for the team. One little point I noticed right at the end of the chapter which Jacob hasn’t mentioned yet was Coach Campbell’s slight reference to a man in Jason’s life.

No mention has been made about this guy if he exists so who is he and well will we as readers get to meet him? If he exists. Not a lot has been said about Thelma’s part in all this and I wonder what her thoughts are on Jason coming out to the team and also does she know about this boyfriend, if he exists.

There is so much remaining to be revealed in this story and the journey as just began. Please let my favorite writer know what you think about this new story. I know he is very excited about it and is loving writing it. What do you think?

Hugs
Trevor